What is a poetry Slam?It's competition poetry; meaning humor, politics, enlightenment, sex, entertainment masquerading as literature, literature masquerading as entertainment. Poets will read, then judges will flash Olympic-style scoring to determine who goes on to the next round until there's just one poet left standing as the champion. It's a lot of fun!

Hosted by Matt Mason. Open mic starts at 7:30 followed by the slam; sign up BEFORE 7:30 as signup is limited and will only be allowed after 7:30 if less than 8 are in the slam.

Natural Medicine of IndiaAyurveda means "the knowledge or science of life." Learn how Ayurveda can restore the body to wellness! Experience pulse, eye, tongue evaluation, body typing, and more. Each individual is genetically different, giving each a specific constitution (Prakriti) and an individualized treatment plan.

Dr. Rajesh Kotecha holds an M.D. in Ayurveda. He is chief physician and executive director of Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic & Research Center in Jaipur, India. Dr. Rajesh visits the US twice a year to work in Nevada and Nebraska.

The Old Market Gallery Walk is a fun, FREE art tour through downtown Omaha. Join us the second Wednesday of every month from May through October for the best walking tour of the arts scene in Omaha! Tour the galleries and meet the artists - admission is FREE.

Sponsored by jLofts on the Market and the Old Market Tavern

Sept. 14-16: The Tibetan Gaden Shartse Monks are BACK!!!Private healings & blessings (home/business) available; call OM for appts.Event proceeds directly benefit the Monastery’s effort to preserve educational, spiritual and cultural of traditions of Tibet. Omaha’s Gaden Shartse events have made significant contributions to the Monastery over the past 21 years, helping to build the main temple, enclose open sewers, build a kitchen with seats for 2500, provide solar water heaters and provide medical care for the large number of Tibetan refugees and others in the area. Tax-deductible donations are accepted at each event. www.GadenShartseTour.org

Sept. 14 - Butter Sculpture Demo • 5-7:30pm (during Old Market Gallery Walk)Butter sculpture is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist art. Although it is not as well known as another Tibetan ritual art, the sand mandala, it is still an important aspect of Tibetan Buddhism in its own right. Butter sculptures symbolize impermanence (a main tenet of Buddhism), along with more ritualistic components, and are usually destroyed in anywhere from a day to a few years. They are traditionally made with yak butter, but in exiled Tibetan communities, as the weather is usually warmer, it is made with ghee, fat, and wax. Butter sculptures are displayed on altars and shrines in monasteries or family homes. They are traditionally made every Losar (the Tibetan New Year), and for the Butter Sculpture Festival, part of the Great Prayer Festival, or "Monlam Chenmo," that is held soon after Losar. During this time, monks make story-high butter sculptures displayed outside the Jokhang in Lhasa, the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism.Tea Ceremony/ Tsok Offering (meditation & chanting) • 8pm • $15 adv * $25 day of * $7 w/ student ID Join the monks for traditional offerings filled with peace and gratitude, enhanced with beautiful multi-tonal chanting.Sept. 15 - Tara Puja • 7pm • $20 adv * 25 day of * $7 w/ student IDThrough this ceremony with Tara, the Mother of the Conquerors and a manifestation of the ultimate wisdom of all the Buddhas, we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, and receive blessings.

Sept. 16 - Dinner with The Monks & Momo (Dumplings) MakingCooking with the Monks at 5pm •Dinner 7-8pm • $45 advance payment required ~MUST RSVP! Momo-making demo and dinner with the monks! Meet the monks, enjoy delicious Tibetan dumplings with side dishes, learn how to make momo (traditional Tibetan dumplings), with Q&A from the monks.

Medicine Buddha is believed to have the power to free one from the pattern of negative thoughts and emotions, as well as healing body. mind, and spirit. During this detailed meditation, participants will be given the Medicine Buddha mantra (words of spiritual transformation) from a direct, ancient unbroken lineage. Especially beneficial to those in healing professions, the empowerment is open to all. Presented in conjunction with Asian World Center and Creighton University.

Sept. 29 - Freeing Obstacles: Chay Drol Purification7-9pm • $20 adv * $25 day of * $7 w/ student IDThe powerful Chay Drol ritual helps remove the obstacles that prevent one from achieving wisdom and enlightenment. The Lama places colored strings and pieces of cloth (our obstacles) on participants. The obstacles are cut using Weapons of Wisdom, opening the door to liberation and to attaining your goals.Presented in conjunction with Asian World Center and Creighton University.

Toyohari Acupuncture is a refined system of Japanese five phase meridian therapy. It is largely based on the practitioner's acute palpation,ability to feel Chi and specialized non-insertive needle techniques. Its theoretical foundations derived from the medical classics--Su Wen, Ling Shu and Nan Jing. Dr. Bole's teacher, in Japan, is blind and has developed an acute sensitivity to chi through this practice.

Sept. 17 - Biopulsar Aura Readingswith Biopulsar Analyst Chanell Jaramillo 11am-6pm• MUST RSVP!Learn how to bring a greater and deeper understanding of the interaction and connection of your mind and body to achieve spiritual enlightenment and well-being. When we understand our energy fields, we can change the things that are making us feel stuck, sick, or out of balance. Removing these blockages will allow the body, mind, and spirit to return to homeostasis.

Through advancements in bioenergetics and biofield technology, we are now able to see the full body electromagnetic field as well as the energy of nearly 50 different organs and glands. Through this state-of-the-art energy technology, you can see your aura and validate psychological and physical conditions. This form of aura technology is currently used throughout the world by conventional and complementary practitioners to see and analyze the mind-body-spirit connection.Join Omaha's only certified Biopulsar Analyst Chanell Jaramillo for a perfect opportunity in discovering this one-of-a-kind aura analysis for yourself. Sample services offered include:• 15-minute Chakra Analysis for $20• 30-minute aura readings with picture for $45To book a full hour reading (which includes an aura and chakra analysis plus picture and recommendations) please call Chanell directly at 402-689-0905.Schedule your sample reading by phoning OM at 402-345-5078.

Sept. 17 - Five Element Theory & Point Locations with Lama Dr. David Bole 12-5pm • $50 before Aug. 31/ $60 after Aug. 31 • 5 CEUsAcupoint Pressure Therapy (APT) is a complete system of healing and a type of massage therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Bole will teach a range of techniques, from those thousands of years old to those informed by current research. These 25 specific acupoints are used to restore balance in body function, dispel fatigue, relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing energy. By properly activating these points, we gain greater physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This class is open to laypersons as well as professionals!No prerequisite!Sept. 18 - Tibetan Tranquility Meditation Class with Lama Dr. David Bole $15 adv/$20 day of

A how-to, teaching on Tibetan meditation techniques; how to rest and stabilize the mind, necessary for insight meditation. This is a method for directly seeing the mind’s true nature. Buddha would often compare himself to a physician and the teachings to medicine.All welcome, no previous training needed!Dr. Lama David Bole (Ph.D., A.P.) is an acupuncturist and a Tibetan Buddhist monk. He specializes in Toyohari and herbology. As a Westerner, he is able to bridge the gap between East and West. Dr. Bole received a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncturein Oxford, England. Dr. Bole was the founder and President of both the Florida School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the Healing Arts Center in Gainesville, Florida. He currently teaches Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditations, practices acupuncture and herbal medicine, and offers courses designed to enhance awareness and health at the Healing Arts Center.www.davidbole.com

• Increases awareness, facilitating the mind and body to work together ensuring the best function for the whole being• Keeps injuries at bay and quickens recovery from illness and injury• Increases focus and concentration• Assists to regain, maintain and sharpen physical and mental balance• No impact exercise - instead, soft and gentle movements• Relieves arthritis pain by promoting the flow of the body's natural lubricants• Assists in lowering and managing high blood pressure• Improves digestion• Reduces pain and helps manage headaches• Helps to maintain regularity• Improves blood and lymphcirculation• Regulates body temperature and comfort• Improves the quality of sleep• Improves stamina and helps the body to recover from overworking• Tones and smoothes the skin• Improves and maintains flexibility and elasticity of the body

Master Frank Fong emphasizes soft and gentle movements to promote stress relief, mood enhancement, and a relaxed temperament. His chief goals for his students are self healing and inner development. Step by step, he will help students find their own path and build their own strength and confidence, leading towards a healthy body, a happy spirit, and a better life.

Master Fong is from China (Hong Kong), where he learned from three grandmasters. He has been practicing Tai Chi for more than 45 years, and has been teaching it for 30 years. Fong has shared his art in Tai Chi classes through many organizations. He continues to improve on the skill and knowledge by traveling periodically across the U.S., Canada and China to share and exchange techniques with other Tai Chi masters and teachers. He can be contacted via email at f.fong@cox.net.

Martin Klabunde & Wing Man Rita Law are acclaimed musicians. They play original music on indigenous instruments from Uganda, Guinea, and Mali, such as the Adungus (Ugandan harps), the Akogos, (Ugandan Kalimbas), the Djembes (Guinea drums), the Dununs (Mali drums), Tibetan bowls and percussion, the Native American flute, and the Australian didgeridoo. Showcasing inspirational lyrics and uplifting music, their performances are both meditative and upbeat, weaving together music, storytelling, and spiritual messages in a memorable and inspiring experience for the listener. Collective Awakening reaches deep into the sacred and takes the listener on an inner journey to the divine.Martin Klabunde is an author, musician and a Nahual initiated in the Zapotec tradition. His mission is to provide a path of awakening through music. With more than 20 years of teaching, performance, and workshop facilitation experience, Martin has helped people from all walks of life achieve inner peace and heightened awareness through an intentional use of music.

Endowed with a unique connection with drumming since childhood, Martin achieved professional skills in both Western and African drumming. Between 1991 and 2005, Martin immersed himself in the indigenous cultures of East and West Africa, studying drumming with initiated drum masters. In 2005, Martin was certified as Professor of the Djembe at Mamady Keita’s Tam Tam Mandengue International School of the Djembe. In 2006, Martin began playing other indigenous instruments such as the Adungu (Ugandan bowl harp) and the Akogo (Ugandan thumb piano). As the director of The Dambe Project, a non-profit organization that utilizes West African performance art in youth mentorship, Martin has taught music in more than 75 schools and facilitated drum circles and interactive presentations for audiences of 10 to 800 people, with a diversity of backgrounds.

In addition to his extensive exposure to the healing ceremonies and traditional rites of passage in East and West Africa, Martin is also an advanced student of a master healer from Mexico who has taught Martin the ancient rites of Portal Drumming and Healing Ceremonies. In 2009, Martin founded Collective Awakening, an organization committed to providing pathways for spiritual awakening to all people. Integrating his unique experience in music and healing, along with his own spiritual awakening, Martin brings a wealth of artistry, knowledge, and wisdom to the workshops and retreats he facilitates around the country.﻿

Wing Man Rita Law, a native of Hong Kong, came to the United States in 2005 to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology. She conducted her dissertation on the effects of Loving Kindness Meditation in alleviating social stress and received her degree from The University of Arizona in May 2011. During her stay, Wing Man discovered the power of music and meditation to transform and heal our emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies.

In 2008, she began playing the Adungu (bow harp from Uganda), the Akogo (thumb piano from Uganda) and the djembe (drum from Guinea and Mali, West Africa). Through the experience of learning and playing these instruments, Wing Man developed the ability to experience greater awareness, expand her perceptions, and create a deep transformation within. She brings her knowledge of both the Western model of psychology and her personal journey of transformation to her workshops, presentations, and performances.

Become a yoga teacher! Transform your own lifewhile serving others. Expand your knowledge, practice and understanding of the yoga tradition through the OYBC's Yoga Teacher Training program! Meet Susi at the OM Center for information on yoga and an overview of this program.

Susi Amendola (ERYT 500) brings more than 30 years of experience to her teaching. She is the National Director of Stress Management for the prestigious Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, using yoga and meditation in hospital sites around the country. She is a certified yoga instructor through the Himalayan Institute and holds an ERYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. She founded the Omaha Yoga & Bodywork Center in 1983, where she currently serves as director. Susi has also developed a 350-hour teacher training (200-hour Yoga Alliance registered) program as a way to support teachers and students in furthering their experiences in yoga. She has traveled and lectured extensively in both the US and India, and she continues to teach, study, practice, lecture, and travel. Susi's CD, Embrace The Heart of Yoga, can be found on iTunes and in the DoYogaNow.com shop.

Sept. 27-29: The Tibetan Gaden Shartse Monks are BACK!Private healings & blessings (home/business) available; call OM for appts.Event proceeds directly benefit the Monastery’s effort to preserve educational, spiritual and cultural of traditions of Tibet. Omaha’s Gaden Shartse events have made significant contributions to the Monastery over the past 21 years, helping to build the main temple, enclose open sewers, build a kitchen with seats for 2500, provide solar water heaters and provide medical care for the large number of Tibetan refugees and others in the area. Tax-deductible donations are accepted at each event. www.GadenShartseTour.org

7-9pm • $20 adv/$25 day of/$8 w/student IDMedicine Buddha is believed to have the power to free one from the pattern of negative thoughts and emotions, as well as healing body. mind, and spirit. During this detailed meditation, participants will be given the Medicine Buddha mantra (words of spiritual transformation) from a direct, ancient unbroken lineage. Especially beneficial to those in healing professions, the empowerment is open to all. Presented in conjunction with Asian World Center and Creighton University.

Sept. 29 - Freeing Obstacles: Chay Drol Purification7-9pm • $20 adv/$25 day of/$8 w/student IDThe powerful Chay Drol ritual helps remove the obstacles that prevent one from achieving wisdom and enlightenment. The Lama places colored strings and pieces of cloth (our obstacles) on participants. The obstacles are cut using Weapons of Wisdom, opening the door to liberation and to attaining your goals.Presented in conjunction with Asian World Center and Creighton University.

Sept. 26-30: SACRED ARTS FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD(Special Events all held at Creighton University)Tibetan Buddhist Monks of Gaden Shartse MonasteryJointly Hosted by Creighton Asian World Center and Omaha OM Center

•Monday, Sept. 26 • 11:30am • CONTINUING ALL WEEK • Creighton Campus • Reinert-Alumni Library, Union Pacific RoomCREATING THE SAND MANDALA: OPENING CEREMONYFeatures live streaming coverage of Mandala all week, with interviews and narration about the Sand Mandala. Observe the team of monks as they use ancient ritual to create a sacred sand painting dedicated to Green Tara, Buddha of Wisdom. Viewing the Mandala opens the mind and awakens the spirit. It is said that the blessings a Sand Mandala brings are multiplied by the number of grains of sand that it contains. Stop in daily to view the progress of this intricate painting, 10AM-4:30PM.

•Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 12:30pm • Creighton Campus • Skutt Student Center, Room 105DALAI LAMA RENAISSANCE: A DOCUMENTARYThis captivating multiple-award-winning film, narrated by Harrison Ford, gives a glimpse into the life of the Dalai Lama, who invited 40 of the West’s leading, most innovative thinkers to his residence in Northern India to discuss the world’s problems and how we can solve them. What transpired was both powerful and unexpected.

•Friday, Sept. 30 • 11:30am • Creighton Campus • Reinert -Alumni Library, Union Pacific RoomIMPERMANENCE: CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE SAND MANDALAThe meditative Sand Mandala ritual practice culminates with a closing ceremony and the destruction of the exquisite Sand Mandala, signifying the transience of life. Be a part of this traditional ceremony of compassion and blessings. Participants receive a small piece of the Mandala!

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AT EACH EVENT. Event proceeds directly benefit the Monastery’s effort to preserve educational, spiritual and cultural of traditions of Tibet. Omaha’s Gaden Shartse events have made significant contributions to the Monastery over the past 21 years, helping to enclose open sewers, build a kitchen (seats 2500), provide solar water heaters and provide medical care for the large number of Tibetan refugees and others in the area. www.GadenShartseTour.org